Focus On Individuals

Published: Wednesday, December 16, 1998

Re: "Hampton's Choice" (12-10). Like the letter writer, I have seen racial injustice up close and personal. In a case of mistaken identity, I was beaten and taken to the Lubbock County jail by two Hispanic officers of the Texas DPS. I never received any recompense for emotional, physical or financial loss, not even an apology.

Yet another time, I was in Dallas with family and stopped at a nationally recognized pizza restaurant. After seating ourselves, we were asked to move to the back of the restaurant where we sat and were not serviced, even after repeated requests. We were the only patrons at the time and were not stopped and questioned when, after a 30-minute wait, we left.

Unlike the letter writer, I do not blame the entire Texas DPS, the Hispanic community, nor the black owners and all-black wait staff at the restaurant.

As an Anglo, I didn't even know who to call for help when my civil rights were violated, in my opinion, by the Texas DPS.

I don't believe color plays so much a part in injustice of any kind as does common ignorance. Everyone needs to focus on the actions of individuals and stop seeing those actions as indicative of any ethnic group.